Kalen DeBoer details what he is looking forward in a QB for Alabama in this offense
He has been through a whirlwind since getting the Alabama football head coach job, but things have started to slow down for Kalen DeBoer.
DeBoer is excited to show fans what he has in spring practice, but he is also intrigued by what Alabama has in its quarterback’s chamber. Jalen Milroe, the current starter, is back. As a redshirt sophomore, the native Texan scored 35 touchdowns in all, leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth.
Although Milroe saw exponential growth in 2023, there is still room for improvement.
In addition, DeBoer inherits Dylan Lonergan, Ty Simpson, and his partner, Austin Mack, who moved with him from Washington to Alabama. At Washington, timing, accuracy, and precision were the cornerstones of the offense. What DeBoer looks for in a quarterback was shared with Ryan Fowler, host of The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9 FM.
“We will adjust to whatever that quarterback’s skill set is,” DeBoer said. “We certainly want a quarterback that deliver the ball to the skills around him. I think there are 11 players on a football field on both sides of the ball, and you want to maximize every position. That can be done in different ways, and I would hope we can be is a team that can deliver the ball to all our skill positions.”
Milroe’s athleticism is considered a “added weapon” by DeBoer. In 2023, Milroe scored 12 touchdowns on rushes.
Regarding Milroe, DeBoer remarked, “That makes everyone around him better.” There are numerous ways for things to go wrong, therefore there are extra eyes in the backfield. As a quarterback, you have to be calm under pressure and confident in the big picture. Your teammates will sense this. But, quarterbacking is more than just using your skill set to lead a football team.
Milroe needs to work on routinely passing the ball to playmakers, but he possesses the poise, confidence, and leadership qualities that are required.
Milroe will be the most productive quarterback in college football if he can make progress.
